§ MR. J. P. FARRELL (Longford, N.)To ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been called to the passage by the Longford County Council at its statutory meeting of a resolution asking the Board of Works, Dublin, to place the ruins of the ancient cathedral of St. Mel under the Public Monuments Protection Act; whether he is aware that this matter has been a long time in agitation in the district; and can he hold out any hope of action being now taken in this direction.
(Answered by Mr. Victor Cavendish.) This is the first intimation I have received of such a resolution. The passing of this or similar resolutions does not, however, affect the position of affairs. The cathedral ruins are vested in the representative Church body, and, until that body consents to their transfer, neither the Treasury nor the Board of Works can take any action for their preservation.